Georgetown: The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has moved to clamp down on “suitcase traders” by installing a scanner for incoming baggage at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). This scanner will be detecting small packages which are deemed commercial goods brought into the country via suitcase.
The scanner was acquired through the Support for Competitiveness Programme (SCP), with assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). SCP is a component of the National Competitiveness Strategy Unit.
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur said the need for the scanner was listed as an action to be taken in trade transaction plan created by public private dialogue body which is a sub group of the national competitiveness council.
He noted with concern that persons were trying to deceive customs at the airport by concealing commercial items, concealed weapons, explosives and narcotics in their suitcase. The installation of this scanner is expected to combat these activities.
The GRA boss said persons found guilty will face a $25,000 fine and three years imprisonment.
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